As a health care manager, you are included in the ethics committee. There has been a new case brought before the committee for your review and recommendation. You will be responsible for reviewing the facts and providing a written response to the committee with your recommendations. This process will allow you the opportunity to analyze the health care manager’s role in ethical decision-making in a health care ethics case.
Write a response to the ethical committee regarding your recommendation as a health care manager presented with this case. In your response, you should:
Identify the major stakeholders in the case.
Identify the ultimate decisions makers (e.g., medical team, parents, etc.) in the case.
Explain Baby Bundle’s rights in this case.
Describe the ethical theories or principles that pertain to the case.
Analyze your role as a health care manager in this ethics committee decision.
Based on your review of the case and the fact that the parents are not in agreement, state your recommendation to the committee for next steps.
Full Answer Section
Secondary:
- Medical team: The doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals responsible for Baby Bundle's care.
- Hospital administration: The individuals responsible for ensuring the hospital operates ethically and within legal boundaries.
- Social services: If involved, the agency responsible for ensuring the well-being of Baby Bundle and potentially facilitating adoption or fostering.
Decision-makers:
In this case, the ultimate decision-makers are the parents. Although the medical team can provide recommendations and guidance, the parents have the legal right to make decisions regarding their child's medical care.
Baby Bundle's Rights:
As a newborn infant, Baby Bundle has fundamental rights to life, health, and well-being. These rights should be considered paramount in any decision-making process.
Ethical Theories and Principles:
Several ethical theories and principles pertain to this case, including:
- Autonomy: Respecting the informed and independent decision-making of the parents.
- Beneficence: Acting in the best interests of Baby Bundle, aiming to maximize their well-being and minimize harm.
- Non-maleficence: Avoiding causing harm to Baby Bundle.
- Justice: Ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all involved parties, including Baby Bundle.
Role of the Health Care Manager:
As a health care manager, my role in this ethical committee decision is to:
- Gather and analyze relevant information.
- Facilitate communication between stakeholders.
- Provide information and resources to the parents.
- Ensure compliance with ethical and legal guidelines.
- Offer recommendations based on ethical principles and best practices.
Recommendation:
Given the parents' disagreement, the following next steps are recommended:
- Mediation: Facilitate a facilitated discussion between the parents to encourage open communication and understanding of each other's perspectives.
- Second medical opinion: Consider seeking a second medical opinion from another qualified healthcare professional to explore alternative treatment options and provide additional information for the parents.
- Ethics consultation: If necessary, involve a healthcare ethics consultant to provide expertise on the ethical complexities of the case and guide the decision-making process.
- Legal counsel: Advise the parents to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding their child's medical care.
- Social services involvement: If relevant, engage social services to provide support and resources to the parents and potentially explore alternative care options for Baby Bundle.
Ultimately, the goal is to support the parents in making an informed decision that respects Baby Bundle's rights and prioritizes their well-being. This should be achieved through open communication, collaboration, and adherence to ethical principles.
It is important to remember that this is a complex case with no easy answers. My recommendation is to proceed with empathy, respect, and a focus on the best interests of Baby Bundle.
Note:
This response is based on the limited information provided in the case description. Additional information may be necessary to provide a more comprehensive recommendation.
Sample Answer
Response to the Ethics Committee Regarding the Baby Bundle Case
Introduction:
I have reviewed the Baby Bundle case and am writing to provide my recommendations to the ethics committee. I have carefully considered the facts of the case, identified the relevant stakeholders and decision-makers, and analyzed the ethical principles involved.
Stakeholders:
Primary:
- Baby Bundle: The newborn infant at the center of the case.
- Parents: The biological parents of Baby Bundle, who have differing opinions on the recommended course of action.